If you could turn the clock back........ ???
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 624
Likes: 24
From: Shoreline WA
Originally Posted by big_G
I find that working on my 'Vettes gives me great satisfaction, knowing I did the work. It is a trade-off, time for money. I would rather do the jobs as time permits, than have someone else fooling with my toys. It is therapy to me, to spend time alone in the shop with just the radio on, and cool beverages as needed.
JoeRags: You're probably right, this does belong in GENERAL. But it's the foundation for TECH/PERF...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 1
From: Edinburgh
Over many years I have enjoyed building many cars, but taking on the vette some 10 years ago was more than time would allow since I mainly work outide the UK my time at home and in the garage was limited. When my old man passed away he left me some money and the opportunity to have the vette rebuilt by a specialist firm. I got it back just over a year ago and had a great time driving it. But also the little time I do have can be use for 'further development' once I have replaced teh twisted big block half shaft (see previous thread) I can replace my upper control arms with the alloy ones and the front springs and shocks with the new coil overs. I have also had a lot of fun (with a lot of help from you guys) learning to tune an Edelbrock carb and use an AFR meter. I think given my time constraints I'm now where I want to be with my vette, enjoying driving it and wrenching from time to time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
When I go to my Corvette club meetings there are 2 types of owners, those that know and those that talk. I did almost everything on my 72 LT-1 myself, the 12 second 1/4 mile times and autocross championships are MINE to keep. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to my friend Dave Herlinger at Corvette Repair in Mountain View, CA (650 969 5351) for helping me with proper proceedures on rear spindle, Muncie 4 speed, and differential set-up. Dave is a true master craftsman in the science/proper preparation of the drivetrain of the C1, 2, and C3 Corvettes.
Last edited by Solid LT1; Oct 12, 2006 at 10:56 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 48
From: westland mi
Originally Posted by big_G
I find that working on my 'Vettes gives me great satisfaction, knowing I did the work. It is a trade-off, time for money. I would rather do the jobs as time permits, than have someone else fooling with my toys. It is therapy to me, to spend time alone in the shop with just the radio on, and cool beverages as needed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
This is a really interesting question. In my happier moments, I'm glad that the car I bought needed a nearly complete rebuild so I'm getting the chance to learn every nut and bolt and how every system works. On the other hand, starting from one in better condition would let me actually drive it a lot sooner and probably would be less total money.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 1
From: Milford Haven Pembrokeshire
With all due respect, quite a few of you have said it has helped you bond with your kids - and thats great - but you don't need a car to do that, sports, decorating the house, travelling or just plain talking will do that.
If your vette was working, maybe letting them get behind the wheel, would do an even quicker bond - especially if your kid happens to be 18 and female..........
Instant best Dad in the World trophy.
If your vette was working, maybe letting them get behind the wheel, would do an even quicker bond - especially if your kid happens to be 18 and female..........
Instant best Dad in the World trophy.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Somerville NJ
I am 54 when i was 19 to about 25 i did a 59 and a 69 sold the 59 for a down payment on a house and the 69 for a p. up so i could work on the house. The kids are 20 and 22 about 3 yrs. ago I got a 76 needed a lot of work. Its mostly done. Now i am working on a 74. My son likes to show of the vets and i help him with a 84 camarow. about 2yrs ago i got a lift THAT MORE THAN ANYTHING IS WHAT I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD GO BACK (SHOULD HAVE GOT IT 30 YRS. AGO). And there is nothing like admiring your work with a beer!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo New York
It's snowing in Buffalo today and that means it is time for wrenching. It is a funny thing how my mood changes with the weather...
Back in March I was wrenching night and day to finish rebuilding the rear end because I wanted to drive.
Two nights ago after a spirited drive home from work, I watched the weather forcast for the week, then went out to the garage disconnected the battery cable, sighed, opened a beer and started taking the engine apart. New heads, cam, fuel pump, fuel lines, and rebuild the carb need to be replaced before spring.
I am glad that I have projects for the car because what else is there to do when the snow is flying...
Back in March I was wrenching night and day to finish rebuilding the rear end because I wanted to drive.
Two nights ago after a spirited drive home from work, I watched the weather forcast for the week, then went out to the garage disconnected the battery cable, sighed, opened a beer and started taking the engine apart. New heads, cam, fuel pump, fuel lines, and rebuild the carb need to be replaced before spring.
I am glad that I have projects for the car because what else is there to do when the snow is flying...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
I too would have done things differently. I bought my 72 real cheap, as a running project that bubba had butcher'd almost every system. I would turn back time, and buy something a little more "finished". Still love workin on it though...
Eddie
Eddie
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 1
From: Milford Haven Pembrokeshire
Originally Posted by 77BuffaloVet
It's snowing in Buffalo today and that means it is time for wrenching. It is a funny thing how my mood changes with the weather...
Back in March I was wrenching night and day to finish rebuilding the rear end because I wanted to drive.
Two nights ago after a spirited drive home from work, I watched the weather forcast for the week, then went out to the garage disconnected the battery cable, sighed, opened a beer and started taking the engine apart. New heads, cam, fuel pump, fuel lines, and rebuild the carb need to be replaced before spring.
I am glad that I have projects for the car because what else is there to do when the snow is flying...
Back in March I was wrenching night and day to finish rebuilding the rear end because I wanted to drive.
Two nights ago after a spirited drive home from work, I watched the weather forcast for the week, then went out to the garage disconnected the battery cable, sighed, opened a beer and started taking the engine apart. New heads, cam, fuel pump, fuel lines, and rebuild the carb need to be replaced before spring.
I am glad that I have projects for the car because what else is there to do when the snow is flying...
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 3
From: Florissant MO
I've only had my 75 for almost 2 months. Since then:
New starter
New battery
New power steering slave cylinder & hoses
New exhaust system from manifolds back.
Possibly next month:
Headers.
Then:
Get the silly alarm system working.
Fix the trip meter reset thingy on the speedometer.
I am having an absolute blast.
Wife is keeping tabs on the receipts. I am not counting the beers or blood.
Funny thing about the neighbors though. The walks past my house have picked up lately when the garage is open. Last weekend I was cutting some exhaust pipe off with the sawsall when the blade broke. I said ouch and a neighbor (out of nowhere) came up and she asked me if I was alright. Said yep all is good, thanks for asking, and I went right back at it.
Life is good.
p.s.: waiting on UPS man to bring me some new exhaust manifold bolts. Should be here tomorrow.
New starter
New battery
New power steering slave cylinder & hoses
New exhaust system from manifolds back.
Possibly next month:
Headers.
Then:
Get the silly alarm system working.
Fix the trip meter reset thingy on the speedometer.
I am having an absolute blast.
Wife is keeping tabs on the receipts. I am not counting the beers or blood.
Funny thing about the neighbors though. The walks past my house have picked up lately when the garage is open. Last weekend I was cutting some exhaust pipe off with the sawsall when the blade broke. I said ouch and a neighbor (out of nowhere) came up and she asked me if I was alright. Said yep all is good, thanks for asking, and I went right back at it.
Life is good.
p.s.: waiting on UPS man to bring me some new exhaust manifold bolts. Should be here tomorrow.
Last edited by 75 Red Vert; Oct 12, 2006 at 05:16 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
I guess I'm assbackwords again, I got the bug and went out and bought the best bb that I could afford. About a month ago I stopped at a neighbors house that had this 72 sitting outside for years, and now I'm finding out what makes them tick
WB
WB
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Derby Kansas
I am an old DIY'er, and would not give up the opportunity to work on my ’73. It is my feel-good car and is a lot cheaper than going to a Therapist. When I have bad days at work, which happen more than I like, I drop the rear window down, turn off the radio, and take the long way home. By the time I get home, I’m relaxed. Very few things as relaxing as a listening to a Chevy small-block on the road. Although I understand the reasons Chevy didn’t offer the removable rear window after ’72, I think it was a mistake. Listening to the exhaust sound is about the sweetest sound there is. I bought my ‘73 in 1980 from a young couple that needed money for a down payment on a house, when it had less than 40k miles on it. It now has 187k miles. It has only failed me one time, and that is when the condenser wire broke right at the point it enters the condenser.
Bottom line is, I would not do it any other way. If I paid someone else to do the work or bought one already done, I would always have doubt of trust. I have complete confidence in my ’73, and would not hesitate taking it on any long trip, given the chance. In fact, I plan to retire in 2010, and will be taking some long road trips.
Bottom line is, I would not do it any other way. If I paid someone else to do the work or bought one already done, I would always have doubt of trust. I have complete confidence in my ’73, and would not hesitate taking it on any long trip, given the chance. In fact, I plan to retire in 2010, and will be taking some long road trips.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Turn Back the clock??
Just pretty well cover the list for 1969. The stuff that's got everyone drooling -- the ZL-1 Corvette would have to be on top of the list. But the trick would be to be able to hang on to them until now. Look at all of the financial ups & downs between then and now..
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,858
Likes: 0
From: A 12/8 man in a 4/4 world
I would go back and not get rid of the wifes 79 Thunder bird.
It had the makings of an awesome car if restored. body was in great shape. interior was worn, paint faded and the motor was beat.
It had the makings of an awesome car if restored. body was in great shape. interior was worn, paint faded and the motor was beat.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
I blew the engine in my 75 in 1998 so I decided to swap in a BB. I also decided to re-do the interior, and strip the paint, and do the suspension,and body mounts. I already knew that taking apart a car is easy and putting it together is harder but I had more time then. Over the years I got sick of having a dead project car so I bought another Vette, a red C4 coupe, and then a silver C5 coupe. I was able to participate in all the crusing and racing I enjoy while still building my other car. I picked away at my 75, installed the BB, pulled the BB and re-installed a SB and FINALLY got it running last night.
Now, obviously its not always in the budget to just go buy another Vette as well as storage issues, but I'm glad I bought another car AND glad I never parted out the 75.
Now, obviously its not always in the budget to just go buy another Vette as well as storage issues, but I'm glad I bought another car AND glad I never parted out the 75.
